In the long run, Michigan policy-makers should (and probably will) be judged
by the state's citizenry not according to flashy photo-ops, fiery rhetoric, and
smoke-and-mirror politics. They will be judged by what they actually
accomplished for the good of Michigan. This suggests that lawmakers ought to put
aside parochial concerns, avoid the pork barrel, eschew the temptation to plan
and control the lives and businesses of people, keep government in its proper
place, and solve problems in ways that leave citizens freer, better off
materially, and facing a future full of new opportunities. These principles have
guided each of the recommendations offered in this report.

With confidence in the integrity and intentions of Michigan's governor and
elected lawmakers, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to offer the
foregoing recommendations for consideration and stands ready to supply
additional details.